FORSTER TERN 
69. Sterna forsteri. 15 in. 
No crest on this or any of the following terns. Tail 
forked 4 in.; below pure white. In summer, with bill 
and feet orange red; crown black. In winter, the crown 
is white, but there is a blackish patch about the eyes, 
and the bill and feet are dark. These beautiful birds 
/ are often known as ‘“‘Sea Swallows,” because of their 
_ similarity in form and flight to those well known land 
; birds. They are the embodiment of grace as they dart 
about high in the air, bill pointed downward, alert and 
ready to dart down upon any small fish or eel that 
may attract their fancy. They usually get their food 
by plunging. 
Notes.—A sharp, twanging “ cack.” 
Nest.—A hollow in the ground, in which the 3 eggs are 
laid in June. Eggs whitish, greenish or brownish, vari- 
* ously marked with brown, black and lavender. (1.80x 
| 1.30). 
Range.—Breeds in the interior, north to Manitoba, 
and on the coasts to Virginia and Calif. Winters from 
the Gulf States southward. 
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